The 70’s era brought in disco fashion, punk music and Afro ‘do among other things.  Specifically, 1977 was remembered as the year of Elvis’ death.  To a nostalgic Manila, that year was when the very first 24/7-restaurant opened in the Metro.  Whistlestop has been pleasing our palates with scrumptious meals since 1977. 

When the original owners of Whistlestop migrated to US, people thought that that will be the last of an old Manila favorite.  The new management, friend of the former owners and confessed Whistlestop fanatic back in the day, Lex Ledesma (of Nami Boracay fame) along with his business partner Dennis Gan, once again opened the doors of Whistlestop early this year.

September 6, 2009 -Sunday lunch was spent in the reopened restaurant.  Stepping into the dining area transports one to an old Grand Central train station accentuated with suitcases, lampposts, old cola bottles and vintage cameras.  Huge black and white photos of Grand Central decorate the off-white wall.  There is one semi-secluded area good for a date or a group of four who wants to shun away from the usual chatter.

Here, one will find a varied clientele, ranging from Japanese and American businessmen to young professionals to families with young children.  The restaurant is still operating 24 hours, now equipped with Wi-Fi Internet and SKY Cable TV.  The menu at Whistlestop is quite extensive with numerous appetizers, pasta, and other comfort dishes. 

On the Table

Spanakopitas PHP 180

6 pieces of phyllo pastry appetizer with three-cheese filling served with marinara sauce.  It was an absolute favorite on the table as it provides an inviting taste for the memorable dining that follows.  Sink your teeth in the soft golden pastry film that bursts with cheese -slightly sharp and pleasantly lightly salty. 

Buffalo Chicken Wings Boneless PHP 220 (Add Bleu Cheese PHP 50)

The Boneless Buffalo wings were another hit.  It somehow reminds me of “Bugsy’s” version of boneless Buffalo wings –crispy skin, has a tinge of spice that delicately gives a heat punch that is not overly powerful.  It succeeds in coating the wings with a zing without excessively saucing the chicken meat retaining the chicken meat’s moist.

Both appetizers left us wanting more.    

Spaghetti Bolognese PHP 180

The Spaghetti Bolognese is a dish of nostalgia bringing you back to childhood favorite of homemade or birthday party spaghetti –simple tomato and meat pasta dish carrying one to a melancholy of familiar taste that warms the heart and delights the stomach.

Hainanese Chicken Soup PHP 35

During the rainy days, I always crave for warm broth to soothe the cold weather.  Glad that this old fashioned diner serves Hainanese Chicken soup personal size.

Hainanese Chicken Rice Boneless PHP 250

The poached chicken was moist, perfectly steamed, served with a touch of soy.  A serving of three different sauces accompany the Hainanese chicken rice set: chili, ginger and think dark brown sauce. The fragrant rice could be a little tad sharper or tastier to perfectly go with the chicken.

Crispy Pata Large PHP 420

Another one of their bestsellers particularly to a group of drinking friends

Sate Ayam PHP 160

3 sticks barbecued chicken served with sate rice and peanut sauce

The strength of Whistestop lies on classic favorites of comfort dishes where the tastes linger keeping the memory of good food alive even well after the visit.  It was definitely one vibrant table of assorted dishes.  Service by an energetic staff is friendly and efficient.  Whistlestop has earned a well-deserved reputation for consistently serving quality food and impeccable service for so many years -comfort food at its finest.  Happy patrons leave this restaurant satisfied and looking forward to their next delicious Whistlestop dining adventure. 

Photo Souce of Whistlestop signage: Azraelcoladilla.com

Whistlestop

28 Jupiter St., Bel-Air Village,

Makati City.

(632) 896 1989

Whistlestop Album

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